GENERAL INFORMATION
03-3
Environmental Precautions
General
This section provides general information which can
help to reduce the environmental impacts from the
activities carried out in workshops.
Emissions to air
Many of the activities that are carried out in
workshops emit gases and fumes which contribute to
global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and/or
the formation of photochemical smog at ground
level. By considering how the workshop activities are
carried out, these gases and fumes can be
minimised, thus reducing the impact on the
environment.
Exhaust fumes
Running car engines is an essential part of workshop
activities and exhaust fumes need to be ventilated to
atmosphere. However, the amount of time engines
are running and the position of the vehicle should be
carefully considered at all times, to reduce the
release of poisonous gases and minimise the
inconvenience to people living nearby.
Solvents
Some of the cleaning agents used are solvent based
and will evaporate to atmosphere if used carelessly,
or if cans are left unsealed. All solvent containers
should be firmly closed when not needed and
solvent should be used sparingly. Suitable
alternative materials may be available to replace
some of the commonly used solvents. Similarly,
many paints are solvent based and the spray should
be minimised to reduce solvent emissions.
Refrigerant
It is illegal to release any refrigerants into the
atmosphere. Discharge and replacement of these
materials from air conditioning units should only be
carried out using the correct equipment.
Checklist
Always adhere to the following.
Engines:
ldon't leave engines running unnecessarily;
lminimise testing times and check where the
exhaust fumes are being blown.
Materials:
lkeep lids on containers of solvents;
lonly use the minimum quantity;
lconsider alternative materials;
lminimise over-spray when painting. Gases:
luse the correct equipment for collecting
refrigerants;
ldon't burn rubbish on site.
Discharges to water
Most sites will have two systems for discharging
water: storm drains and foul drains. Storm drains
should only receive clean water, foul drains will take
dirty water.
The foul drain will accept many of the normal waste
waters such as washing water, detergents and
domestic type wastes, but oil, petrol, solvent, acids,
hydraulic oil, antifreeze and other such substances
should never be poured down the drain. If in any
doubt speak to the Water Company first.
Every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage of
oil, fuel, solvents etc. reaching the drains. All
handling of such materials must take place well away
from the drains and preferably in an area with a kerb
or wall around it, to prevent discharge into the drain.
If a spillage occurs it should be soaked up
immediately. Having a spill kit available will make
this easier.
Additional precautions
Check whether the surface water drains are
connected to an oil water separator, this could
reduce the pollution if an incident was to occur. Oil
water separators do need regular maintenance to
ensure effectiveness.
Checklist
Always adhere to the following.
Disposal:
lnever pour anything down a drain without first
checking that it is environmentally safe to do so,
and that it does not contravene any local
regulations or bye-laws;
l have oil traps emptied regularly.
Spillage prevention:
lstore liquids in a walled area;
lmake sure that taps on liquid containers are
secure and cannot be accidentally turned on;
lprotect bulk storage tanks from vandalism by
locking the valves;
ltransfer liquids from one container to another in
an area away from open drains;
lensure lids are replaced securely on containers;
lhave spill kits available near to points of storage
and handling of liquids.
